Definition

Dialysis is a treatment that takes over the job of your kidneys when they
fail. The kidneys perform many functions that help your body stay healthy. They help clear toxins out of your blood and help your body balance salt levels. Most people begin dialysis when their kidneys have lost 85%-90% of their ability. You may be on dialysis for a short time, or you may need it for the rest of your life.

If you have kidneys that are not working and the damage is not reversible, you have end stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD is caused by conditions such as diabetes,
kidney cancer, drug use,
high blood pressure, or other problems. Dialysis is not a cure for ESRD, but it does help you feel better and live longer.

There are two types of dialysis:
hemodialysis
and
peritoneal dialysis. This fact sheet will focus on hemodialysis.

Reasons for Procedure

The main functions of hemodialysis are to:

Remove waste and excess fluid from your blood

Control blood pressure

Keep a safe level of salts in the body, such as potassium, sodium, and chloride

It may also be done to remove toxins from the bloodstream quickly. It can be used in cases of poisoning or drug overdose.

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

Disruption of calcium and phosphorus balance, resulting in weakened bones

If you have heart problems, this may increase your risk of complications from hemodialysis.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Usually, before your first hemodialysis, you will have some sort of tubing attached to a large vein. The tubing will make blood flow from your body to the machine and back more easily. If you will be on hemodialysis for a long time, you may have had surgery to create a shunt or a fistula, which makes access to a large vein easier. Fistulas may need as long as 2–3 months to fully heal before they can be used.

Before your hemodialysis, you will:

Have your weight, blood pressure, and temperature taken

Be given heparin to prevent blood clotting.

Anesthesia

If needle insertion is needed, you will be given a topical pain-numbing medication.

Description of the Procedure

Hemodialysis is done at a dialysis center or hospital. It may be done at home with assistance.

During the procedure, blood is filtered through an artificial kidney machine, called a dialyzer. The blood travels from your body to the machine through tubes inserted into a large vein in your body. After the blood is filtered in the machine, it travels back into your body through another tube.

All EBSCO Publishing proprietary, consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at
HLEditorialTeam@ebscohost.com.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.